WASHINGTON – Two garages at Washington Dulles International Airport have reopened after police investigated a bomb threat Monday night.
No bomb was found.
First reports about a problem came through just before 9 p.m. Monday as people on Twitter began expressing concern and asking questions while several passengers called into WTOP.
MWAA spokeswoman Kim Gibbs told WTOP they and police were investigating a bomb threat.
The United terminal was cleared and closed, but later reopened while daily parking garages remained closed while police searched the area.
By 10:45 p.m., MWAA spokesman Rob Yingling told WTOP terminals, runways and flights were operational.
By 11:15, the garages were reopened after the police searched returned negative results.
MWAA also says that contrary to early reports, planes were not evacuated. However, a spokesperson tells WTOP travelers flying to and from Dulles are encouraged to check their flight status, as several flights were delayed.
On Twitter, @DCairports (MWAA) shared status updates for travelers as initial reports poured in.
If you are flying #IAD Dulles tonight, check flight status with your airline. Airport is open and operating, but several flts delayed.
— MWAA (@dcairports) September 25, 2012
Terminals open at #IAD Dulles, parking garages temp closed for a police investigation. Several arriving flights delayed; will update.
— MWAA (@dcairports) September 25, 2012
#IAD Dulles terminals, runways, flights operating normally. Daily garages remain clsd for police investigation. Hourly & Econ lots open.
— MWAA (@dcairports) September 25, 2012
Contrary to reports, planes were not “evacuated” at #IAD Dulles. Flights are operating normally with some delays from earlier this eve.
— MWAA (@dcairports) September 25, 2012
#IAD Dulles Daily Garages 1&2 are now re-opening following a police investigation with negative results. Thanks for your patience.
— MWAA (@dcairports) September 25, 2012
While everything at Dulles is getting back to normal, there may be residual effects due to earlier flight delays.
WTOP’s Lacey Mason contributed to this report. Follow Lacey and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
